Interesting Link Between Cataract Surgery & Brain Health

For most, a gradual cognitive decline will come with age. So how do we maintain good cognitive health? Recent studies show that by simply taking care of our eyes and ears we can significantly reduce the risk of cognition loss.

Cognition and Vision

The joint study from the University of Michigan in the U.S. and the University of Manchester in the U.K. found that having cataract surgery can slow cognitive decline by 50%. A sampling of 5,000 people in their sixties were studied. Findings revealed that of those who had cataract surgery, cognitive decline slowed down over the course of 13 years of follow-up testing. Read the complete article here.

Cognition and Hearing

Similarly, the rate of cognitive decline was reduced by 75% for those people who wore hearing aids versus those who did not. Hearing and cognition are closely linked. This study further provides data to support that maintaining healthy hearing can keep you mentally sharp for longer.

While cognitive decline is still expected as people age, this research is promising in the fight against dementia. Cognitive decline is affected by vision and hearing due to nerve stimulation provided to the brain by those sensory inputs, which begin to disappear with age.

Cognitive Impact on Social Engagement

Additionally, social isolation plays a large role with someone trying to cope with poor vision and/or hearing loss. People tend to withdraw from conversations and not be as socially engaged as they once were because they are not comfortable with their ability to hear and see their surroundings.

If you notice a change in vision – or the vision of a loved one – schedule a cataract evaluation. With simple testing, cataracts can easily be diagnosed and treated by a vision care professional. Cataract surgery is the most common procedure performed in the U.S. and takes merely minutes to restore clear vision, safety and independence to the patient.

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